5 day guided safari
5 Day Ezulwini Billy’s or River Lodge
This morning, you will be met at the airport or your nearby hotel by your driver-guide, who will transfer you to the lodge.
From R58 050 per person sharing
Speak to a consultant on +27 81 300 9331, Mon to Sun, 8am to 6pm SAST
At a glance
What this 5 day ezulwini billy’s or river lodge covers
Everything below is fixed in the plan already. The dates, the group size and the lodges stay yours to change.
- Trip length5 days, 4 nights
- Starts atOR Tambo International Airport [JNB]
- Where you sleepEzulwini River Lodge
- MealsBed and Breakfast, Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
- Best forGame Drives, Safari, Luxury Accommodation
- Transfers2 included, longest 459.70
- Reference12/02/2026
The route
Where this safari takes you
Drawn from the roads your driver actually takes, not a straight line between two dots.
- OR Tambo International Airport [JNB] to Ezulwini River Lodge
- Ezulwini River Lodge to OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]
Day by day
Your 5 Day Ezulwini Billy’s or River Lodge, one day at a time
Written by the consultant who planned it. Nothing here is filler, and nothing is a surprise on arrival.
-
1
Day 1 Balule Private Game Reserve
Balule Private Game Reserve
This morning, you will be met at the airport or your nearby hotel by your driver-guide, who will transfer you to the lodge.
After check-in at 14H00, you’ll have time to freshen up and relax before your evening game drive.
Following the game drive, dinner will be served before you retire for the night.
- Private Transfer from OR Tambo International Airport [JNB] to Ezulwini River Lodge
- Check-in to Ezulwini River Lodge
- Evening Evening Game Drive
- Evening Dinner
- Bed and Breakfast
- No Drinks
- OR Tambo International Airport [JNB] to Ezulwini River Lodge
-
2
Day 2 Balule Private Game Reserve
Balule Private Game Reserve
This morning, you’ll be gently awakened for your early morning game drive, where the bush comes alive with the sights and sounds of nature at its most active. After your adventure, you’ll return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, served with warm hospitality.
Following breakfast, enjoy some leisure time, whether it’s relaxing by the pool, lounging in the communal areas, or curling up with a good book as the African sun rises higher.
In the afternoon, a delicious lunch awaits, offering a taste of local flavors and lodge specialties. Later, you’ll head out for your evening game drive, a chance to witness wildlife in the golden glow of sunset.
As the day winds down, you’ll return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner, followed by a peaceful evening to reflect, unwind, and prepare for another day of discovery
- Morning Early Morning Game Drive
- Morning Breakfast
- Afternoon Lunch
- Evening Evening Game Drive
- Evening Dinner
- Bed and Breakfast
- No Drinks
-
3
Day 3 Balule Private Game Reserve
Balule Private Game Reserve
Once again you will be awakened for your early morning game drive, where the bush comes alive with the sights and sounds of nature at its most active. After your adventure, you’ll return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast.
After breakfast, you will have some leisure time.
In the afternoon, a delicious lunch awaits you offering a taste of local flavors and lodge specialties. Later, you’ll head out for your evening game drive, a chance to witness wildlife in the golden glow of sunset.
As the day winds down, you’ll return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner, followed by a peaceful evening to reflect, unwind, and prepare for another day of discovery
- Morning Early Morning Game Drive
- Morning Breakfast
- Afternoon Lunch
- Evening Evening Game Drive
- Evening Dinner
- Bed and Breakfast
- No Drinks
-
4
Day 4 Balule Private Game Reserve
Balule Private Game Reserve
Once again you will be awakened for your early morning game drive, where the bush comes alive with the sights and sounds of nature at its most active. After your adventure, you’ll return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast.
After breakfast, you will have some leisure time.
In the afternoon, a delicious lunch awaits you offering a taste of local flavors and lodge specialties. Later, you’ll head out for your evening game drive, a chance to witness wildlife in the golden glow of sunset.
As the day winds down, you’ll return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner, followed by a peaceful evening to reflect, unwind, and prepare for another day of discovery
- Morning Early Morning Game Drive
- Morning Breakfast
- Afternoon Lunch
- Evening Evening Game drive
- Evening Dinner
- Bed and Breakfast
- No Drinks
-
5
Day 5 Balule Private Game Reserve
Balule Private Game Reserve
Today marks the final day of your unforgettable stay at Ezulwini River or Billy’s Lodge. You’ll begin with an early morning game drive, offering one last opportunity to witness the magic of the Balule Nature Reserve.
After the drive, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge, soaking in the serene surroundings. Around 11:00 AM, your driver/guide will meet you at the reception for your scheduled checkout and transfer.
You’ll then be comfortably driven back to OR Tambo International Airport or your surrounding hotel, carrying with you the memories of a truly special safari experience.
- Morning Early Morning Game Drive
- Morning Breakfast
- Check-out from Ezulwini River Lodge
- Private Transfer from Ezulwini River Lodge to OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]
- Ezulwini River Lodge 5 star
- Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
- All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
- Ezulwini River Lodge to OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]
Want it longer, shorter, or built around different lodges?
Where you will stay
The lodges on this trip
Each one is a property BST books directly, so a room held for you is genuinely held.
Ezulwini River Lodge
Situated in a lush Riverine Forest, Ezulwini River Lodge, sits on the banks of the mighty Olifants River, home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants, primates and the perfect venue for any avid bird watcher, and sheltered under a thick canopy of indigenous trees.
This intimate lodge incorporates natural elements in its many entertainment areas that include an inviting indoor bar & lounge plus a cozy dining area with a fine tasting room for our wine enthusiasts. Additionally, a beautiful outdoor lounge & swimming pool under a thatched roof beckons those of our guests who enjoy being surrounded by nature to just laze about & rejuvenate. Poolside swings allow guests to kick back, soak up the sun, and let the gentle swaying soothe their worries away.
For the more adventurous, guests may also explore our lodge grounds via an elevated sky walk & expansive sky deck set within riverine vegetation, overlooking the mighty Olifants River. What’s more, a thatched tower offers views of the open plains and the chance to watch antelope graze & baboons forage.
- Accept Credit Cards
- Air conditioner
- Bar
- Communal Dining
- Gym / Fitness Centre
- Internet Access (Complimentary)
- Laundry Service
- Licensed
Check in 14:00 – 18:00, check out 11:00
The fine print, up front
What the price covers
Stated plainly, so the quote you receive holds no surprises.
Included
- Accommodation
- wine sampling in the Tasting Room at River Lodge or Wine Cellar at Billy’s Lodge
- Ezulwini branded water bottle (guests are supplied with one each and they can take this with them as a memento of their stay)
- All Meals
- house wines, South African beers, mineral water, sodas/soft drinks, teas, and coffees
- Morning and Evening Game Drives
- Conservation Fee
- Administration Fees
- Private Road Transfer to and from the lodge
- complimentary WiFi
- transfers between River Lodge and Billy’s Lodge when staying at both lodges
Not included
- Additional Accommodations
- Visa’s
- Tipping
- Flights
- Personal souvenirs
- unspecified beverages
- Additional Activities
- All unspecified beverages, laundry, and curio purchases
- exclusive use of game drives
- Day excursions
- Wellness treatments
- gratuities
- Any imported or premium wines (including Champagne), imported beers, spirits or cocktails, purchases of curios, massage or laundry services and staff gratuities
Booking terms and conditions
- If cancellation of any booking, or part thereof, isreceived 180 to 46 days prior to arrival, a 20% cancellation fee will be charged.
- If cancellation of any booking, or part thereof, is received 45 days to 8 days prior to arrival, a 50% cancellation fee will be charged.
- If cancellation of any booking, or part thereof, is received 7 days to 1 day prior to arrival, a 80% cancellation fee will be charged.
- If cancellation of any booking, or part thereof, is received 0 days prior to arrival, a 100% cancellation fee will be charged.
In pictures
What the 5 day ezulwini billy’s or river lodge looks like
Photographs from the lodges and reserves on this trip, not a stock library.
Good to know
Travelling in South Africa
One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the ‘Rainbow Nation’, boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Money
Currency
Local currency: South African Rand
Symbol: R
ISO code: ZAR
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rand)
Banknotes: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200
Coins: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5
Banking
Card Transactions: Widely accepted
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes, limited.
Diner’s club: Yes, limited.
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 09:00 to 15:30
Weekend: Saturdays: 08:30 to 11:00
Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes, available at major banks, airports, and authorised bureaux de change
Power
Plug Type: M, N
Voltage (V): 230 V
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz
*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Health
www.sherpa.com
Safety
www.sherpa.com
Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies widely, Cape Town (winter rainfall, 515 mm), Johannesburg (summer rainfall, 713 mm)
Average temperature: Varies, Cape Town 17°C, Johannesburg 15.5°C
Summer:
Average highs: 28°C (Cape Town), 26°C (Johannesburg)
Average lows: 16°C (Cape Town), 15°C (Johannesburg)
Winter:
Average highs: 18°C (Cape Town), 17°C (Johannesburg)
Average lows: 8°C (Cape Town), 4°C (Johannesburg)
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September for wildlife viewing, as animals are more concentrated around water sources. For beach holidays, mid-December to March is ideal, especially in Cape Town.
Getting around
Air:
Main airlines: South African Airways
International Airports:O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB, Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport (CPT, Cape Town), King Shaka International Airport (DUR, Durban), Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP, Nelspruit/near Kruger National Park), Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ, Port Elizabeth), East London Airport (ELS, East London, limited international flights), Lanseria International Airport (HLA, Johannesburg)
Domestic Airports: Numerous across the country
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes, well-maintained in most areas
Gravel roads: Yes, especially in rural areas
Valid International Driver’s License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes, in most large cities
Rail:
Railway system: Yes in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg as well as long distnace luxury options like the Blue Train
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Limited, mainly in coastal cities
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes, especially from Cape Town and Durban
What to wear
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: In winter, particularly in high-altitude areas
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Staying connected
Internet cafes: Yes, mainly in urban areas
Accommodation options: Yes, with good connectivity
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes, in major cities
Libraries: Yes
Questions
Before you book the 5 day ezulwini billy’s or river lodge
The things travellers ask most, answered from this itinerary rather than in general.
How long is the 5 Day Ezulwini Billy’s or River Lodge?
It runs 5 days and 4 nights, covering Balule Private Game Reserve. Dates are flexible and the trip can be lengthened or shortened around your flights.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]. BST Tours handles the transfers in between, so you are met on arrival and driven the whole way.
Where will I stay?
Ezulwini River Lodge, a 5 star lodge.
What is included in the price?
Accommodation. wine sampling in the Tasting Room at River Lodge or Wine Cellar at Billy’s Lodge. Ezulwini branded water bottle (guests are supplied with one each and they can take this with them as a memento of their stay). All Meals.
What is not included?
Additional Accommodations. Visa’s. Tipping. Flights. Personal souvenirs. unspecified beverages. Additional Activities. All unspecified beverages, laundry, and curio purchases. exclusive use of game drives. Day excursions. Wellness treatments. gratuities.
What do I need to enter South Africa?
www.sherpa.com
Are there any health precautions?
www.sherpa.com
When is the best time to travel?
Annual rainfall: Varies widely, Cape Town (winter rainfall, 515 mm), Johannesburg (summer rainfall, 713 mm) Average temperature: Varies, Cape Town 17°C, Johannesburg 15.5°C Summer: Average highs: 28°C (Cape Town), 26°C (Johannesburg) Average lows: 16°C (Cape Town), 15°C (Johannesburg) Winter: Average highs: 18°C (Cape
How do I book?
Send your dates and the number of travellers through the enquiry form and BST Tours will come back with availability and a firm quote. Nothing is charged until you confirm.
Next step
Tell us your dates and we will hold the lodges
Send the dates you have in mind and how many are travelling. You will get availability, a firm price and any changes you want made, from a person rather than a form letter.
info@bst-tours.com · Mon to Sun, 8am to 6pm SAST
Also worth reading: safari photo gallery, about BST Tours.